The Widow Life

Christmas: The loneliest time of the year.

Here we are. It’s my fourth Christmas post-Tom. Fourth! How the &%$# did we get here? I’m not one to swear, but that’s kinda what grief does to ya. Turns you into someone you’re not and don’t want to be. Really, I’ve been doing ok this year. That’s probably in large part because I radically…

What was your worst driving experience?

We’re having our first snow day today. Something like 6 to a gazillion inches landed in the last 36 hours, depending on where in West Michigan you live. As we celebrate not having to drive on ice-slicked roads this morning, this seems like the perfect opportunity to discuss our worst driving experiences. I’m not sure…

Why I Didn’t Set a Place for My Husband at Thanksgiving Dinner

We’re doing something different for Thanksgiving this year. Normally, we head out to a potluck buffet with extended family. It’s an hour drive, but it’s always been a nice opportunity to catch up with far-flung cousins whom I only see this one time of year. Also, since my husband’s death, I have been secretly grateful…

How to Help Your Mom and Dad When They Don’t Want Help

This article originally appeared on Sixty and Me. If you haven’t already discovered this gem of a website, please head over to check out their community of vibrant women. My aunt, 83, is like my third parent. She taught in schools around the world and spent every summer living with us. Always single and with…

Let’s All Be Grateful Today

As I write this, I’m sitting on an uncomfortable bench in a rather dingy reception area for an auto shop. I’m the only one here, the TV is droning on and I’m debating whether I could stand up and turn it off. I would rather be almost anywhere other than here. My mom is visiting…

Do You Have a Story to Tell?

It’s amazing how therapeutic writing can be, and among other things, I credit this blog with helping me to finally crawl out of the pit I fell into after my husband died. Things such as the lack of available male role models, the fact certain people didn’t step up to help and my inability to…